The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One was first released at Baselworld 2018 in 18K red gold, 18K white gold, and in black ceramic. This year Jaquet Droz revisited the model and released a few new iterations including this black ceramic model reference J003525541. The Skelet-One was launched to celebrate the 280th anniversary of Jaquet Droz and with this watch, the brand went in a very different direction for the first time. An interpretation of its iconic watch the Grande Seconde with a modern open-worked look. Additionally, the Grande Seconde Skelet-One marks the first time that Jaquet Droz integrates a sapphire dial into a watch and a true stylistic turning point in the brand’s history.
Things to Know About the Watch
While preserving the figure 8 shape that is its the aesthetic signature of Jaquet Droz, the Grande Seconde Skelet-One offers maximum transparency thanks to its sapphire dial for the seconds at 6 o’clock, while the hours and minutes are indicated in an 18K white gold hour circle with 18K white gold markers and blued steel hands. Intertwined with the large seconds sapphire subdial both time indications are off-centered and secured with blued steel screws to provide greater contrast. The transparency on this watch has left only the bridges showing, which structure the piece’s movement.
The sapphire dial, on which the large seconds hand turns, perfectly complements the skeletonized movement which was constructed in successive layers visible from the side. The mainplate is entirely open-worked and the casing-up circle has been eliminated to allow for an even greater openness.
The 41.5 mm black ceramic case is exquisitely finished with a satin-brushed finish on the top and a high polish on the caseband and case back. The watch is delivered on a blue rolled-edge fabric strap with leather appliques. Secured by a stainless steel and ceramic double folding clasp with black PVD treatment, the watch maintains a very sporty look. The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One Ceramic is water-resistant to 30 meters.
The Movement
The beating heart inside the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One Ceramic is the in-house calibre 2663 SQ. This 30-jewel automatic movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph to provide a power reserve of 68 hours when fully wound. The 18K white gold oscillating weight engraved with the individual watch number has also been openworked to let light diffuse freely into the heart of the movement. Additionally, the calibre is equipped with a silicon double barrel, balance spring, and pallet lugs. The movement is very well skeletonized leaving as little metal as possible around the bridges.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One wears true to its 41.5 mm size and perhaps slightly bigger and more like a 42 mm watch. A stunning watch that brings the best of Jaquet Droz to the table and one of the best skeletonized watches we've reviewed recently. The black ceramic case makes the watch even sportier than its gold counterparts.
Sticker Price $24,200 USD. For more info on Jaquet Droz click here.
